The 24th International Pakistan History Conference entitled “History & Historiography of South Asia” organised by the Department of History at the University of the Punjab, Lahore starts today in which over 80 scholars from 10 countries extending over 3 continents are expected to explore 12 themes in 11 sessions over a period of three days.
As many as 23 scholars will read their research papers on medieval Indian history, modern South Asia and the role of religious and mystic movements. Keeping in view the rise of religious radicalism in South Asia, the papers that are expected to generate special interest will be the ones dealing with the reformist movement of Shaykh Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Wahhab and the emergence of Shiv Sena in India.
Equally absorbing will be the second day in which 35 speakers will investigate 5 themes. Of particular interest will be the paper of a scholar from Berlin that will analyze the social thought of Maulana Mawdudi, the founder of Jamat-i- Islami.
On the last day of this “History Festival”, 26 scholars will debate four different themes including the histories of Punjab, Pakhtuns and the Gandhara civilization. The conference is scheduled to close with the concluding remarks of Professor Dr Muhammad Iqbal Chawla, the principal organizer of the conference and the Chairman of the History Department at the University of the Punjab.
